The demonstration opposes the controversial “Listen to its Heart” bill, promoted by lawmakers from the far-right Republican and National Libertarian parties.

  Speaking to Prensa Latina, Margarita Peña, a member of the 8M Feminist Coordinating Committee, noted that in Chile, abortion is permitted only on three grounds: fetal non-viability, danger to the mother’s life, or pregnancy resulting from rape.

  “A woman facing such circumstances is in a traumatic, painful situation and deserves protection; yet, far-right lawmakers propose increasing her pain,” Pena said. The activist described the bill as cruel, degrading, and inhumane.

  Meanwhile, Yasna Castillo, an abortion law monitor, pointed out that the legislation approved in 2017 already contains many hurdles, and these lawmakers aim to add even more obstacles.

  Castillo called on lawmakers to work on the economic and security issues for which they were elected, rather than dedicating themselves to trying to curtail women’s rights.

  Catalina Lufin, president of the Communist Youth, described the bill as a brutal step backward, while sociology student Magdalena Silva deemed it an injustice that, to this day, abortion in the country is not free, safe, and accessible.

  In addition to Santiago, demonstrations were held in Valparaiso, Iquique, Calama, Antofagasta, Copiapo, La Serena, Concepción, and Temuco, among other cities, under the slogan “Listen to My Decision,” to demand respect for women’s rights.

  The legislative proposal has met with opposition from broad sectors—including the political sphere, human rights advocates, and health specialists—and, according to the Cadem poll, 66 percent of the population opposes the initiative.

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